What fish can be kept with cichlids?

Answer 1

This depends on what type of cichlids you're talking about. The cichlid family is huge and the fish in it range from 2cm to 90cm long. The only cichlids that are suitable for the general community tank are angelfish, apistogrammas and kribensis. None of these should be kept with fish less than 5cm long, and can be territorial and aggressive when breeding. You also need to pay careful attention to how many you put in a tank and whether they are male or female as they will fight if you get it wrong. However they are suitable tankmates for any fish that is large and confident enough to look after itself, such as barbs, livebearers or larger tetras. Smaller dwarf cichlids such as the shell dwellers (Neolamprologus) are not suitable for the community tank because they are too delicate and fussy. Larger cichlids are often unsuitable for the community tank because they will eat tankmates. Most cichlids grow to 15 or 20 cms and need large tanks. Cichlids from the African lakes (Malawi and Tanganyika) can be placed in communities of mixed species of cichlids. These tanks require a lot of maintenance and cleaning because they are usually overstocked to reduce aggression. You do need to be careful when stocking several species from the same genus (ie Aulonocara) in the same tank. They may hybridise and it is very hard (and irresponsible) to sell hybrid fry. You also need to do your research, as although most medium sized African cichlids can be kept in one large community there are some notable exceptions. They will also dig and are not suitable for planted tanks. There are some species that grow larger still. They are sometimes compatible with similarly large and aggressive cichlids if they are not kept with mating partners. If you have a pair of cichlids in the tank, they will see the tank as their breeding territory and may aggressively drive away any other fish. In the wild a pair of large cichlids will take up an area the size of a small room and while they may be perfectly happy and even breed in a much smaller aquarium, they will not tolerate the presence of other fish. Many large cichlids will, however, tolerate a large pleco in their tank. Some large cichlids (such as Uaru) are very pleasant natured and will not attack tankmates. However, they are large and clumsy and intimidating. Others will not eat tankmates but will aggressively chase them out of the way. Finally there are some fish that are just so antisocial and obnoxious you really can't keep them with anything else, unless you're thinking of a tank so large it would not be out of place in a public aquarium.

Answer 2

other cichlids and large hard catfish